Tag: paleo

dairy free · gluten free · paleo · real food · whole food

Loaded Cashew Yogurt Bowl

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

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Yogurt bowls are one of my favorite go-to breakfast and snack options. I was one that use to eat those tiny artificially  flavored (low-fat and sugar laden) yogurt cartons from the store. Not only were they hyper-processed, they lacked adequate protein, healthy fat and fiber to get me full.  I normally eat  plant based yogurts like almond, cashew and coconut but recommend full-fat, grass-fed yogurt for those who include dairy in their diets.  I love loading my yogurt up with lots of different toppings. A few of my favorite  include  fresh fruit, ground flaxseed or chia seeds, drizzled almond or sunbutter, shredded coconut flakes, and grain-free granola. SO.GOOD.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain plant based yogurt (almond, cashew, coconut)
  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • small sliced banana
  • 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
  • 1 Tbsp. unsweetened sunbutter or almond butter

 

 

dairy free · gluten free · grain free · paleo · real food · whole food

Real Deal “Noatmeal”

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

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I absolutely love oatmeal, especially overnight oats with all of the yummy toppings.  Since transitioning to a paleo diet, oats have been the one staple in my diet that I hadn’t been able to quite let go of. I would eat a bowl of my GF overnight oats every morning at work and felt I did pretty well with them. Understanding however, how healing a true paleo diet can be, I knew I would eventually take the leap and commit fully to a grain-free diet. I only want to do the very best that I can for my body, at least from an everyday standpoint. I still do enjoy the occasional sushi night 🙂

In preparation of weaning my oats out of my diet, I started to explore ways to make grain-free oatmeal. Cauliflower rice oats wasn’t an option right now because a food sensitivity test showed I was ‘highly intolerant’ to cauliflower (not easy on a paleo diet am I right?) I plan to reintroduce cauliflower at a later time since it had become a diet staple of mine.  So I set out to  recreate my oatmeal bowl (grain-free) while keeping it as simple and delicious as possible. I have to say, this combination really hit the spot!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe mashed banana
  • 1/4 shredded coconut flakes
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut flour
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
  • 1 Tbsp. nut/seed butter
  • Fresh fruit to top (berries are my favorite)

Directions:

In a bowl, mash banana using a fork. Add in coconut flakes, coconut flour, and cinnamon and combine. Add 1 tbsp. of nut butter and microwave for about 45 seconds-1 minute. Top with fresh fruit, ground flaxseed, and any other topping of choice!

 

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dinner · gluten free · paleo · Uncategorized · whole food

Sweet Potato Soup

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

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With an impeding snow storm, here’s an easy recipe to help warm you up. Sweet potatoes offer so many unique nutritional benefits. They are rich in antioxidants including beta-carotene to help boost Vitamin A levels. Research has also shown that when passing through our digestive tract, sweet potato antioxdants and other phytonutrients may be able to lower the potential health risk created by heavy metals and oxygen radicals

Ingredients:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable stock (or chicken broth)
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • Spices
    • garlic powder or fresh garlic clove
    • 1/4 cumin
    • pinch of sea salt
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Bacon ‘uncured, nitrate free’ to garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Wash, peel, and chop sweet potatoes in large chunks.
  2. Cook bacon and set aside. Meanwhile, saute chopped onion with olive oil in large pot over medium-low heat.
  3. Once onion is tender (5-7 minutes), added vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, and spices to pot.
  4. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Poor contents into a blender or food process.

Divide in serving bowls and garnish with chopped bacon. Pair with a salad to make it a complete meal!

 

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gluten free · paleo · paleo eats · real food · recipe · Uncategorized · whole food

Paleo Shrimp & Grits

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

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This dish is  too easy and delicious not to try. Cauliflower makes a great substitution for refined white rice, mashed potatoes, pizza crust, and now grits! The cruciferous vegetable provides anti-inflammatory compounds and  various phytochemicals to help ward off disease. Just 1 cup provides 73% of the daily value of Vitamin C! That’s 3X as much as 1 cup of spinach! Not to mention the fresh wild-caught shrimp offering a nice dose of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and Vitamin B12 . Add a side of greens and you have yourself a very nutritious dinner!

Servings (2)

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 lb. whole wild caught shrimp
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Cauliflower florets (frozen)
  • Asparagus
  • 1 Tbsp. Grass-fed butter

Directions:

1.Prepare shrimp (peel and deveine). Rinse and pat dry. Coat shrimp with Cajun seasoning and set aside. If you don’t like spicy, substitute with any seasoning of choice.

2. Heat large skillet over medium heat.

3.Meanwhile, steam or cook frozen cauliflower on stove top. Place in high speed blender or food processor. Add 1 Tbsp. grass-fed butter or olive oil to cauliflower in addition to seasoning. (sea salt, garlic, parsley).

4. Blend cauliflower until it reaches a fairly smooth consistency.

5. Pansear shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side.

6. Serve shrimp over “grits” and with your favorite green vegetable. Asparagus or sauteed spinach both work well!

Bon appetit!

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dinner · gluten free · paleo · real food · soy free · whole food

Zesty Zoodles

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

 

Zoodles are an easy, low-carb,  and nutritious alternative to regular refined pasta  that’s  frequently consumed as part of the Standard American Diet (SAD). When making the transition  to a whole food based diet, pasta is often missed by carb lovers everywhere.  Zoodles however, allow you to still enjoy your favorite pasta based dishes without having to sacrifice taste and ease of cooking! All you need is a Spiralizer and the possibilities are endless!

 

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Shrimp “Bolonasge” Topped with Almond Cheese

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Spaghetti with ‘Paleo’ Homemade Turkey Meatballs

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baking · gluten free · paleo · real food · Uncategorized · whole food

Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

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Hurray for Fall and Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice! These easy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a nice treat  to enjoy with hot coffee or tea on these cool fall mornings.

Processed with Snapseed.
Processed with Snapseed.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
  • 7 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil; melted
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 3 tsp. pumpkin spice
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners or a mini tin  (for munchkin size) with 24 liners.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the DRY ingredients.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients listed. Mix well.
  5. Now add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and combine until evenly mixed.
  6. Pour batter evenly into lined muffin tin.
  7. Bake for  approximately 10-14 minutes (depending on your oven). Toothpick inserted into centers should come out clean.
  8. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour.
  9. When ready to serve, combine extra ground cinnamon and coconut sugar in a small bowl. Peel donuts from cupcake holders and roll into the cinnamon mixture until covered. (You may also just leave the cupcake liners on)
  10. Eat & enjoy!

*Note, these are best kept for up to 2 days. Try storing in a container with a paper towel to help absorb excess moisture. “Redust” with cinnamon coating if needed before reserving.

 

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Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
dinner · gluten free · paleo · paleo eats · Uncategorized

Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

Stephanie Biggs RD,LDN, CDELeave a comment

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb free-range ground turkey
  • 2 cups rinsed, fresh chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • dash of sea salt

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl with hands. Form 1/2 inch thick patties (about 5-6). Place patties in a large, non-stick pan, then turn heat on medium. Cook patties  for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Serve with fresh in season fruit and vegetables!

 

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